Rebirth Into My Second Chance

So, Max was Claude's uncle. It seemed like no one could dodge the Goodwin charm, not even the men in their family.

Max was all over Tracey just yesterday, putting on quite the show. Was that all for my benefit? And there they are, thick as thieves.

'Indeed, love's a rare find. Maybe it's just not in the cards for me. Or maybe, growing up without parents, I never learned what real love looked like.' I mocked myself.

The moment they showed up, the place was all reporters. "There he is, the man they call the business world's Grim Reaper, caught on camera at last!"NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.

"Ever wondered why they call him the Grim Reaper? It's his no-nonsense approach that earned him the nickname."

"Snap as many shots as you can. It is front-page material."

"The guy's a mystery, no scandals, no nothing. After today, half the women in Crestview Metropolis will be falling over themselves for him. Money and looks? Deadly combo." "But dream on, ladies. The Hilton and the Goodwin families have joined at the hip for ages. They're a match made in heaven. Wealth, looks, you name it. The envy of us all." Everywhere I went, the buzz was all about Max.

A waiter handed me a bottle of water. I twisted it open, took a sip, and found a quiet corner to sit down, my eyes glued to the stage.

"Mr. Hilton, rumor has it there's an engagement between the Hilton and Goodwin families. Is that why you and Miss Tracey are here together to announce it?"

Tracey seemed more jittery than

Max, snatching the mic. "Todavet

event is about the project I've been

I

partof, applying the tech studied

abroad. That's all."

The reporter had more tricky questions up his sleeve, but a look from Max and his bodyguard was escorting the nosy journalist out. That shut them up.

But someone brave enough asked, "I heard this project started ten years ago but was shelved because of some issues. Is that true?"

"With the latest international tech, it's as good as new," Tracey took the lead, Max silent as ever.

Suddenly, a reporter asked Max with an agenda, "I heard a rumor you've got Asperger's and that you struggle with communication and love. Is that why you're a titan in business but silent in love?"

The question hung in the air, chilling.

In that silence, Max coldly said, "Today, we announce the engagement's cancellation."

What? Even Tracey, right by his side, blanched. The crowd was stunned, unsure what to make of the unpredictable Max. What more could they ask?

"The conference will only cover product information addressed by Miss Tracey." With that, he stood up, parting the sea of reporters.

I was tucked behind them, surprised

as they made way for Max. I held the water Bottle and was about to check out the products when Max headed my way. "Where to?"

I paused, tilted my head, "To see the products."

"Together," Max said, boldly taking my hand before everyone. He ignored the flashing lights and explained the products' origins, processes, and uses.